You've finished an info.interview with an MD. It's the last 5 minutes of the talk. You want an interview. How do you ask?

It's the first informational interview. The end game is obviously a job at the firm where he works but you need an interview you first. He knows it and you know it. And yet you have so many thoughts in your head:

1). It's the first interview. Should I ask in the next one? Will he even be available again.
2). You need to be subtle and not come on too strong. Yet the point (getting an interview) needs to come across.
3). Do you ask now or perhaps right an email to him later?

For the incredible now bankers here, how did you navigate these waters? Were you frank and asked for an interview? Did you have a more "responsive" effort where you hoped he would like you and just recommend you. Did you bring a copy of your resume to the interview and showed him at the end? Are there particular phrases which do the job of conveying the want of an interview subtly.

Really interested in what all of you think about this.

Cheers.

 

No, you don't ask an MD at a bank for a second informational interview because you don't want to come on too strong during the first. His time is valuable. Respect it. And don't follow up with an email. Your opportunity is right in front of you, so you need to seize it.

At the end of the chat, don't just ask him to make sure you get an interview, as if you're asking for his blessing or a favor. State your career objectives, ask for his advice on how you can make that happen and if he thinks an interview with his firm would be right for you. You can still add in that you think the world of his firm and would highly value the opportunity to work there. But the key difference is to ask for career advice and an appraisal of your candidacy, rather than asking for him to do something for you.

 
Best Response

“That sounds amazing. Is there anyone else you think I should speak with at your firm?”

“What you’re saying resonates with me and is something I’d like to pursue. What next steps do you suggest I take?”

“I’m filling out application(resume dropping) at your firm, would you be against me putting you down as a reference?”

“I appreciate your insight. What would you do if you were me to move through the interview process at your firm?”

The specifics don’t really matter. Just ask something to keep the ball rolling.

 

No need to be subtle. He knows why you are there. For example, I just did an informational with a bschool kid. He said he wanted to "learn more about the HF industry" but I knew why he was there. I straight up asked him how I could help him because I just wanted to cut straight to the chase. Others won't offer to help until you ask for it, but this is not some secret mating dance.

 

mds arent stupid they know what u want just ask about recruiting advice or current opportunities and how u can position urself for consideration. or ask about the person who runs recruiting and ask to speak with him to express interest

ask shit about their background why they chose to stay in banking so long, favorite mandate, if they switched banks ask how the experience is different, ask about challenges in winning work etc

 

I think it all depends on how the info session goes. You really have to feel the vibe out during networking to make the proper requests. I've had cases when people have straight up offered to push my resume after meeting them once but also ones where I had to have multiple meetings with to do so. For the most part, I think asking for an introduction to other people should be fine. That was my usual approach.

For the "tell me about yourself", I would keep it short but opinions may differ.

 

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